We are delighted to share news of progress with Duffield Helping Hands
IT Help
Drop-in sessions will soon be available between 1.00 and 3.00pm on Wednesday afternoons for those wanting general support with IT queries such as connecting to Wi-Fi, updating software, email issues and making on-line appointments. Look out for further details on our website, in the Weston Centre and future newsletters.
Tried and Trusted Services
We are regularly asked for recommendations for local services so are putting together a directory. If you have used a service and would like to provide details and a testimony for us to share with others, please let Emma know either by emailing emma.wcm@westoncentre.org.uk or telephoning 01332 840349.
Podiatry clinic
We are pleased to host a podiatry service at the Weston Centre in our clinic room. The aim is to add convenience for those who might not be able to travel to access such a service. This is a professional service by the Holbrook Foot Clinic. The first sessions are on Wednesday 19th April between noon and 2.00pm. Slots will be approximately 20 mins and will cost £30.00 paid directly to the practitioner. The Weston Centre is not benefitting financially from this. For further details and to book an appointment contact Emma on emma.wcm@westoncentre.org.uk or 01332 840349. A second session is planned for 17th May. Future clinics will be determined by demand.
Supermarket trip
Unfortunately, our planned trip to Asda in Spondon had to be cancelled due to insufficient numbers of advance bookings. The opportunity to visit a superstore out of town was a result of many visitors telling us how much they miss being able to shop further afield. We hope to offer a similar trip in future months.
Coronation
As part of the nation’s celebrations to mark the Coronation of King Charles and Queen Consort Camilla we will be screening the occasion from 10.00am on Saturday 6th May for older members of our community. A light finger buffet lunch and glass of sparkle will be served and we are asking for a voluntary donation of £2.00 per person to cover our costs. Booking is essential as places are strictly limited. For further details and to book a place contact Emma on emma.wcm@westoncentre.org.uk or 01332 840349. Closing date for bookings is Friday 21st April
Memory Cafe
We are delighted that our Memory Café will launch with an information event between 2.00 and 4.00pm on Thursday 31st March. This will be a safe space where people with dementia and their care givers can have fun, make friends, network, choose to get involved in activities and chat over a cuppa and cake. We are looking forward to meeting you so just turn up, but if you would like further details or to offer help please contact nicola.memorycafe@westoncentre.org.uk or emma.wcm@westoncentre.org.uk
Weston Centre Minibus
We are often asked about our minibus which we acquired in November 2020 and have run ever since in line with our charitable object. We rely on the goodwill and dedication of a small team of volunteer drivers to make this happen. Because of this we are not able to provide drivers for other groups; it is not a community bus. We are though, keen for it to be used as much as possible. When not in use for our charitable purposes the bus is available for hire. It has 16 seats plus driver, a tail lift and space for wheelchairs if some of the rear seats are removed.
Individuals or groups can hire the bus if they have their own driver. Our insurance requires that all hirers must register with us as User Groups. There is a one-off £20 fee for this to ensure that the group is fully covered whilst driving the minibus. The terms stipulate that:
- a Driver Registration From must be completed for each driver before the minibus can be taken by the User Group.
- All drivers must be aged over 25 years of age, and no older than 75 years of age, at the time of hire.
- Any registered driver over the age of 75 years old, must submit a Grade 2 Medical Test to us.
Once registered, users can book the bus and pay the fees required to cover our costs. Note, the charity is a no-profit organisation and we do not make a profit from this.All terms and conditions can be found on our website. If you or your group would like more information please For further information contact Emma on emma.wcm@westoncentre.org.uk or 01332 840349.
Thursday Film Club (monthly)
April’s film on Thursday 6th is ‘The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel’. Thisstars Judi Dench, Bill Nighy, Maggie Smith, Tom Wilkinson, Celia Imrie and Dev Patel and is about seven cash-strapped Brits who touch each other’s hearts when they journey to a retirement resort in India.
On Thursday 1st June our film will be ‘Made in Dagenham’ starring Sally Hawkins, Bob Hoskins, Miranda Richardson and Jaime Winstone. The story is inspired by the women of the Ford car plant who stood up for their rights for equal pay. Doors open at 1.30pm for a 2pm start and we ask for a donation of £3.00 per person. Tea, coffee, wine, beer and soft drinks are available for an extra charge. Call Sandra on 928577 to book a place.
iPad Classes
Our popular and successful iPad classes continue. We are able to offer these thanks to the support of Foundation Derbyshire whose helpful staff supported us in our bid for a grant which we secured from the John Weston Fund. Since we started 31 people have participated in the 10 week courses. Feedback has emphasised the value added and confidence gained through participation.
Art Club
Our popular Art Club will be returning after a winter break. Jeff will be expanding the offer to include crafts so if you’d like to create or experiment in a friendly, supportive and social environment you’d be most welcome. Sessions will take place at the Weston Centre on Thursday afternoons between 1.30 and 3.30pm. The cost of each session is £3.00 plus an optional £1.00 for a tea or coffee. Contact Emma on emma.wcm@westoncentre.org.uk or 01332 840349 for further details.
Personnel Changes
After three years as Strategic Development Manager and two more in other roles, Sarah Brooksby is leaving the charity on 4th April, although she will lead the current iPad course until its conclusion on 25th April. Sarah has thoroughly enjoyed this fulfilling role and the opportunities it has presented, but most especially has loved working alongside a team of wonderful volunteers to help the charity grow and support even more people. We are delighted that most of her role will be taken over by Emma whose hours will expand accordingly when she returns from annual leave on 10th April.
New volunteers needed
If you have time to spare and would like to support your community please consider joining our team.
If you have time to spare and would like to support your community please consider joining our team.
We are currently recruiting volunteers for Duffield Helping Hands and are particularly interested in hearing from anybody who can help older people with:
- everyday IT issues (based at the Weston Centre on Wednesday afternoons)
- short term gardening
- putting out and returning bins for the weekly collection
- supermarket shopping and delivery
- emergency contact liaison
- buddying
For more information please see the Helping Hands page on our website where role descriptions can be found or contact Emma on emma.wcm@westoncentre.org.uk or 01332 840349.
Our regular events include:
- COFFEE MORNINGS 10.00-12.00noon Tuesday to Friday. A bottomless cup costs £1.00. Just call in, no booking required.
- LUNCHEON CLUB each Monday. Please contact Jean via the Centre on 01332 840349 to be placed on the waiting list.
- FILM SCREENINGS on the first Thursday of every month. Doors open at 1.30pm, the film starts at 2.00pm. We ask for a donation of £3.00. Tea, coffee, wine and beer are also available. Phone Sandra on 01332 928577 for further details and to reserve a seat.
- EUROPEAN FILM CLUB on the last Wednesday evening of each month. Doors open at 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start. We ask for a donation of £4.00. The bar will be open! Contact Emma on emma.wcm@westoncentre.org.uk to reserve your place.
- iPAD COACHING We have a small number of iPads to lend. Complete beginners encouraged! Contact Sarah on sarah.sdm@westoncentre.org.uk of telephone the Weston Centre on 01332 840349 if you would like to join the waiting list.
- CHAIROBICS every Monday afternoon and Friday lunchtime. Phone Suzanne on 07810 023743 to book a place.
- MINIBUS DAY TRIPS to various places of interest. Email emma.wcm@westoncentre.org.uk contact the Weston Centre on 01332 840349 for details.
- WALKING GROUP A friendly walking group departs from the Weston Centre each Tuesday at 10.00am (meet at 9.45am). For further information contact Chris on 07977 140415
Website: www.westoncentre.org.uk
Telephone: 01332 840349
Email: enquiries@westoncentre.org.uk
Centre Manager Emma Morrison: emma.wcm@westoncentre.org.uk
